GOOD MORNING, SUNSHINE!

Once the team was safely back on the ground, it was time for more coffee and a bigger breakfast. Mornin’ Sunshine Coffee House & Boutique has an extensive breakfast menu with everything from burritos and sandwiches to French Toast and Corned Beef Hash

Alana opted for a drip coffee, I tried the Strawberry Smoothie, and Cailyn sipped on an iced Caramel Latte.

After 11 a.m., the locally sourced coffee shop serves a limited breakfast menu and offers lunch options.

Treat Yourself

After a nap, exploring the town, browsing vendors, and walking by the iconic waterfall, the team worked up an appetite for something sweet. Naturally, it was time to try Two Cows Creamery + Bistro

Made with milk and cream from Stensland Family Farm, Melissa Holt creates over 120 flavors of ice cream. Customers can also try sorbet, gelato, and vegan iced treat options.

Alongside the 28 flavors available during the busy season and the 16 available during the down season is a full menu of meals. One of the most popular choices is the Build-a-Burger

Customers can purchase fresh produce, meat, and more at the creamery as well.

Fact

The owners of Minnekahta Coffee ran the Burdette House before the Ondrejkas bought it the summer of 2021.

LIGHT ‘EM UP

During the Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Glow Around Town is a can’t miss. Balloons were stationed at various locations throughout Hot Springs, including The Mammoth Site and Centennial Park

Entering Butler Park , the sight was one to behold. Tens of massive balloons stood, periodically lit up by the flames that kept them afloat.

Cue John Williams’ The Imperial March. Towering over the other balloons at seemingly twice the size, the Darth Vader balloon stood with the wise Yoda balloon just behind it.

The team made sure to track down their pilots from that morning for a quick hello before grabbing more souvenirs and heading back for an early night.

Caffeination Station

When the team woke up Sunday morning, we said goodbye to the owners of the Burdette House, and they wished us safe travels home.

After everything was packed into the Sprinter Van, one more stop remained: Minnekahta Coffee

John was stoked to try their coffee sampling station and choose the perfect roast to bring back to the office.

Cailyn and I grabbed a shirt each, and I stocked up on artisan snacks for the trip.

Souvenirs and snacks in hand, we buckled, hunkered down, and prepared for the long drive home.